Community

Calwell Community Bank celebrates 15th birthday with three $500 grants up for grabs

It’s a big year for the Calwell Community Bank branch of Bendigo Bank. In addition to turning 15 years old next month, the branch has just celebrated the completion of its first major refurbishment in as many years.

The makeover includes a modernised look and feel, with all the latest banking gadgetry and an open plan design to create a friendlier and more personal customer experience. The new design follows the branch’s re-signing of their lease with Calwell Shopping Centre, cementing the Community Bank Group’s dedication to continue serving the people of Calwell and surrounding suburbs for another 15 years.

For the birthday celebration, which falls on Saturday the 2nd of December, the branch will give away $1500 in three $500 grants, awarded to local not-for-profits and charities. Customers can pop into the branch to nominate an organisation, and winners will be chosen via a Facebook poll conducted over the next few weeks.

The birthday giveaway isn’t a first for Calwell Community Bank, which has donated hundreds of thousands in financial support to the region over the last 15 years. Recipients include Theodore and Gowrie Primary schools, the Tuggeranong Buffalos, Alzheimer’s Australia and Organ Donors Australia to name a few, and the branch has recently agreed to support Vikings Baseball Club.

Of working for such a philanthropic organisation, Damian McNamara, Calwell Branch Manager, says “I love it. I love waking up and coming to work in the morning knowing that banking is what I’m doing on a day to day basis, but because of the way we operate (80% of Community Bank profits are returned to their local communities) it is also having a positive effect on the entire community.”

Damian says that his favourite part of the job is helping customers buy a home. “I have a soft spot for home loans, because of what it means to the person receiving it. Buying a house is a significant life event, and the excitement and joy that comes with seeing someone find, purchase and move into a home they love is very personally rewarding.

“We recognise that it can be really hard for first home buyers, so right now we’re trying to make life easier by scrapping upfront fees and offering incredibly low-interest rates. It’s just one way that we can help someone buy their dream home and take that first step into home ownership.”

To learn more about moving your banking to Calwell Community Bank, or for more information about the 15th birthday celebration and three $500 grants, visit them in Calwell Shopping Centre on Webber Crescent or call 6291 3385.

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